Reel World

Locals Win Locally

The New Mexico Film Office has announced the winners of the 2009 New Mexico Filmmakers Showcase, which took place at the Guild Cinema May 14 through 17. After four days’ worth of New Mexico-only films, the judges chose the following category toppers: Best Comedy Short went to Christopher Boone’s “Preschool’s a Bit**,” Best Documentary Short went to Jessie Weahkee’s “Abraham Lincoln: The One Sided Story,” Best Documentary Feature went to Michelle Friedline & Laureen Ricks’ A Sh’mal World, Best Drama Short went to Craig Strong’s “In the Wake,” Best Drama Feature went to Michael Amundsen’s The Price of the American Dream II, Best Horror/Sci-Fi went to Kim Liphardt’s “The Sitter” and Best Wildcard Film went to Bryan Konefsky’s “Vancouver.” Congrats to the winners and to all of this year’s participants. Keep up the good work.

Warm the Warehouse

Rogue Taurus Productions is having a “warehouse warming” this Saturday, June 13. The Albuquerque-based indie film producers have rented a warehouse space at 3614 High NE. The intention is to use the space for their own work and make it available for other film productions, workshops, art exhibitions, live performances, social events, fashion shows, etc. If you’re a local filmmaker, artist, musician or whatever, feel free to come check out this weekend’s open house party starting at 7 p.m. Be sure to bring copies of your work to share. For more information, log on to roguetaurus.com.

Eisenstein Elementary School

Got kids? Wanna get rid of ’em for the summer? Here’s an idea: Ship the rug rats off to film school. Yup, The Box is holding two Film Camps this summer, June 15 through 19 and July 13 through 17. The camps take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will introduce students to styles and techniques of film acting. Students will create an original short film with assistance from the instructors. They will help write the screenplay, operate the camera, direct, act, costume and even edit the film. Who knows? They may shoot the next Blair Witch Project. Cost of the camp is $185. You can sign up online at theboxabq.com.

Time Is Short

The 48-Hour Film Project is returning to Albuquerque this July 10 and 11. Here’s how it works: You assemble the best filmmaking team you can. Come Friday, July 10, you’ll be handed a character, a genre, a prop and a line of dialogue, and you’ll have just two days to write, shoot, edit and premiere a short film based on those few signposts. Teams from all over New Mexico will be going head-to-head for the honor of representing our state in the worldwide 48-Hour Film competition. Space is limited, so you need to register soon. You have until Monday, June 15, to qualify for the early-bird registration of $135. After that, it jumps to $155. Hit up 48hourfilm.com/albuquerque to get that ball rolling.